Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
It should be well known that hydration and electrolytes don't have much if anything to do with cramping, but bro-science persists.
I think you need a boat-load of disclaimers before you make a statement like this. "Among well-trained randonneurs," "for those with low sodium concentrations in their sweat," "for people who think 85F is a hot day for a bike ride," "for heat-adapted athletes" come to mind. Remember the dictum, "All generalities are false?"
As has been mentioned quite a few times, there's no generally accepted cause for cramping. There are an awful lot of things that work for some people, but none that works for everyone. That seems to indicate there are multiple causes for different people. If you start with that premise, it seems reasonable to answer with a checklist: try #1, if that doesn't work move on to #2, etc. Bor science? Whatever!
And given the number of people who say salt/electrolytes helps control their cramping, it's reasonable to put them near the top of the checklist.